Communications and Security Proposals Discussed

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•December 14, 2016• Moultrie County Building and Grounds committee was updated on some communication needs and interior building restoration. Rick Matthews reported that the judge’s office was continuing to finance restoration of the courthouse columns to the natural original oak finish, and that project should be completed before Judge Flannell retires in January. Matthews reported phone service issues had plagued the courthouse, and he had been looking into possible upgrades that could include voice activated internet, utilizing fiber optics for the phone service.  … Read More

Oh Brother…Almost Taking a Stand at Standing Rock

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•December 14, 2016• Some of you may have noticed a story about the Standing Rock in the News Progress recently and wondered what the heck was going on. As it turns out this is a typical Oh Brother story; it just took a thousand miles to unfold. I am not an activist as a general rule, but following the recent presidential election, I became interested in the stand off between the Native Americans and Big Oil in North Dakota. In the course of learning about the Dakota Pipeline construction near the Sioux reservation, I learned favorite musicians Jackson Browne and … Read More

Lady Redskins Team up on Cardinals for Win

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•December 14, 2016• Sullivan’s Lady Redskins’ team came together for a 51-35 win over Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals, Dec 8. “First time this year we played as a team both offensively and defensively,” coach Sheri McCain said of Sullivan’s consistency. “Everyone who came off the bench contributed in one way or another,” McCain continued, emphasizing Tatum Ellis had a great all around game. Ellis led the Redskins with three steals, making four field goals and four from the free throw line for 12 points. … Read More

Deer Harvest Numbers Low First Firearm Week

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•December 14, 2016• Hunters harvested a preliminary total of 79,429 deer during the seven-day Illinois Firearm Deer Season that closed Sunday, Dec. 4. That figure compares to the final total of 86,847 deer harvested during the seven days of the firearm season in 2015. The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the firearm season Dec. 1-4 totaled 24,977, compared with 28,977 during the second season in 2015. The preliminary harvest total for the first segment of firearm season Nov. 18-20 was 54,452 deer, compared with the 57,870 deer taken by hunters during the first season in 2015. Deer hunting … Read More

Obituaries 12-14-2016: James Smith

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James Smith James William Smith, 89, of Lovington passed away at 7:08 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2016 in Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 in St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bethany. Burial with military rites by Lovington American Legion Post #429 will be in St. Isidore Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. today (Wednesday) in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington with prayer services at 7 p.m. … Read More

Mattoon Arts Accepts Quilts for Show

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•December 14, 2016• The Mattoon Arts Council is now accepting entries for its 2017 quilt show with the theme of “Stitches of the Seasons.” Quilts, wall hangings, table runners, pillows and garments are eligible for exhibition. This is not a juried quilt show, and all ages of quilters are accepted. The MAC wishes to showcase the talents of area artists and quilters alike. Quilts must reflect the theme of “Stitches of the Seasons” by using motifs, images, colors and/or quilt blocks with seasonal themes. Whether the style is contemporary, modern or traditional, quilters should use their imagination and explore the … Read More